Repellant string light

ABSTRACT

A system includes a first power cord and at least one heated repellant dispersal unit electrically connected to the first power cord that increases an evaporation rate of a repellant within the heated repellant dispersal unit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED CASES

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/101,827 filed on Nov. 23, 2020, which is a continuation-in-part ofU.S. Pat. No. 10,962,219 filed on Aug. 5, 2019, which claims the benefitof U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/714,347, filed onAug. 3, 2018 entitled REPELLANT STRING LIGHT, the contents of which arehereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates to outdoor devices having multiple uses. Inparticular, but not by way of limitation, this disclosure relates todevices providing light and dispersal of scents and/or repellants.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Outdoor party lights or string lights have become common for lighting ordecorative purposes. These may be based upon low wattage lights such asLEDs (light emitting diodes). However, their utility has remained staticfor some time and they have not generally been put to further uses.

Dispersion of repellants via electrical power, or plug-in devices, canenhance delivery of effective repellants. However, utility may belimited where battery power is required or where location of use hasbeen restricted to locations very near an outlet. Additionally, formaximum effect with a repellant, it should be placed where it has thegreatest exposure to the area sought to be protected.

What is needed is a system and method for addressing the above andrelated concerns.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention of the present disclosure, in one aspect thereof,comprises a system having a first power cord, and at least one heatedrepellant dispersal unit electrically connected to the first power cordthat increases an evaporation rate of a repellant within the heatedrepellant dispersal unit.

In some embodiments, the first power cord does not have a manual powerswitch to activate or deactivate the at least one heated repellentdispersion port. In some cases, the first power cord is electricallyconnected to a wireless power coupler. The at least one heated repellantdispersion port may be electrically connected to the first power cordvia a wireless power coupler.

The system may further comprise a second power cord physically connectedto, but electrically isolated from, the first power cord, the secondpower cord having at least one light receptacle thereon. The first andsecond power cords may be physically connected such that the at leastone heated repellant dispersal unit disperses repellent into an arealighted by a bulb in the at least one light receptacle. In someembodiments, the system further comprises at least one clip-on lighthaving a clip that is sized to selectively attach to the first powercord, and further containing a battery that powers at attached lightbulb.

The invention of the present disclosure, in another aspect thereof,comprises a system including a first power cord, a plurality of heatedrepellant dispersal units electrically connected to the first power cordthat increase an evaporation rate of a repellant within the heatedrepellant dispersal units; and a plurality of light receptacles affixedto the first power cord such that the light receptacles illuminate anarea below the power cord into which the plurality of heated repellantdispersion ports disperse repellent.

In some embodiments, the plurality of light receptacles is powered bythe first power cord, in others they are not. The plurality of lightreceptacles may be powered by a second electrical power cord physicallyconnected to but electrically isolated from the first electrical powercord. In some cases, the plurality of light receptacles is batterypowered. In some cases, the plurality of light receptacles are affixedto the first power cord via detachable clips.

In some embodiments, the plurality of heated repellant dispersal unitseach contain one or more floats visible outside the plurality of heatedrepellant dispersal units indicating a level of a repellant contained inthe respective heated repellant dispersal unit.

The first power cord may have a wireless coupling to a household poweroutlet. The plurality of heated repellant dispersal units may beelectrically connected to the first power cord via a wireless coupling.

The invention of the present disclosure, in another aspect thereof,comprises a method including providing a first power cord, andelectrically connecting a plurality of heated repellant dispersal unitsto the first power cord. The plurality of heated repellent dispersalunits increases an evaporation rate of a repellant within the pluralityof heated repellant dispersal units. The method includes arranging thepower cord over an area to be protected by the repellant such that theentire area is infused by repellant from at least one of the heatedrepellent dispersal units, or is protected by intrusion from pests by anarea infused by repellant from at least one of the heated repellentdispersal units.

In some embodiments, the method also comprises providing a plurality oflight receptacles on the first power cord such that at least part of thearea to be protected is lighted by the plurality of light receptacles.The method may further comprise providing a second power cord,physically attaching the second power cord to the first power cord whilekeeping the first and second power cords electrically isolated, andpowering the plurality of light receptacles via the second power cord.In other cases, the method may include attaching the plurality of lightreceptacles to the first power cord via a detachable clip, and poweringthe light receptacles via a plurality of internal batteries.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a close-up elevational view of a portion of a lighting anddispersal system according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a repellant assembly according toaspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of a lighting and dispersal systemaccording to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a close-up perspective view of another embodiment of alighting and dispersal system according to aspects of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 5 is a simplified electrical schematic diagram of a lighting anddispersal system according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a repellant level indicator float ringaccording to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is an elevational view of another embodiment of a lighting anddispersal system according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is an exploded plan diagram of another embodiment of a lightingand dispersal system according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is an elevational view of another embodiment of a lighting anddispersal system according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is an exploded plan diagram of another embodiment of a lightingand dispersal system according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11A is an overhead view of a plurality of repellent zones arrangedin first plan according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11B is an overhead view of a plurality of repellent zones arrangedin first plan according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11C is an overhead view of a plurality of repellent zones arrangedin first plan according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11D is an overhead view of a plurality of repellent zones arrangedin first plan according to aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIG. 1 , a close-up elevational view of a portion of alighting and dispersal system 100 according to aspects of the presentdisclosure is shown. The system 100 is a combination light string andliquid volatilization and dispersal mechanism. Systems of the presentdisclosure may disperse repellants, scents, oils, chemicals etc., whileproviding lighting or decorative effects. The system 100 provides apower cord 102 with a plurality of light receptacles 104 spaced alongthe cord 102. The light receptacles 104 may further each comprise a cordjunction 106 with a segment of transverse power cord 108 leading fromthe junction to a light socket 110. In some embodiments, the lightsocket 110 is affixed directly to the cord junction 106 (i.e., there isno transverse power cord 108).

The junction 106 provides an internal electrical splice to the powercord 102, which may power a light bulb 112 inserted into the socket 110.The junction 106 may comprise a body 114 that may be constructed of aninsulating polymer or another material. The junction 106 may comprise ahang loop 116 defined in or attached to the body 114.

In various embodiments, the light socket 110 may comprise a screw inbase such as an E26/E27 base or another base such as E12, E14, E17,E39/E40. In some embodiments, the light socket 110 may comprise abayonet or press-in style socket. The light bulb 112 may comprise anincandescent light bulb, a compact fluorescent (CFL) bulb, or a lightemitting diode (LED) in a form factor to fit the associated socket 110.In one embodiment, the light bulb 112 comprises a 2-watt LED.

In addition to one or a plurality of light receptacles 104, the system100 comprises one or a plurality of repellant dispersion ports 118. Therepellant dispersion ports 118 may each comprise a cord junction 120connecting a transverse power cord segment 122 to a heating receptacle123. The cord junction 120 contains body 126 covering an electricalsplice from the power cord 102 to supply power to the heating receptacle123. The body 126 may comprise an insulating polymer. In someembodiments, the heating receptacle 123 is affixed directly to the cordjunction 120 (i.e., there is no transverse power cord 122).

The heating receptacle 123 may attach selectively to a repellantassembly 126. The pod 126 may removably inserted into or attach to thereceptacle 124 with a threaded connection, a turn and lock connected, apress fit mechanism, a bayonet style connected, a magnetic fitting, oranother operable mechanism. The heating receptacle 123 applies heat tothe repellant assembly 126 to volatilize and disperse the contents ofthe pod 126. To that end, ventilation ports 125 may be defined in a body124 comprising the heating receptacle 123. The body 124 may comprise apolymer or other suitable material.

The pod 126 may comprise a fluid pod 128 that contains a quantity of apest or insect repellant product 130 such as a synthetic pyrethroid,metofluthrin, meperfluthin, or other product. The fluid pod 128 may alsocontain scents or other agents. The pod 126 may be provided to theconsumer pre-filled and may or may not be serviceable for refilling bythe consumer (e.g., the pod 126 may be considered a disposable item).The fluid pod 128 may comprise an opaque or tinted polymer. In someembodiments, the fluid pod 128 may be clear or at least translucent toallow the consumer to ascertain the amount of repellant 130 remaining inthe pod 126.

In some cases, various lighting conditions and combinations of theappearance of the repellant 130 and the fluid pod 128 may renderdetermination of the remaining amount of repellant 130 difficult. Insome embodiments, a number of floats 132 may be provided in therepellant 130. In the case of small discrete floats 132 or beads,surface tensions of the repellant 130 and the geometry of the meniscusthat forms at the top of the repellant layer results in the floats 132tending to remain near the sides of the repellant bulb 128 such that thefluid level may be easily determined. In other embodiments, a toroidalring-type float (600, FIG. 6 ) may be utilized.

Referring now also to FIG. 2 a perspective view of the repellantassembly 126 removed from the heating receptacle 123 is shown. It can beseen that no floats or fluid level indicators are provided in the viewof FIG. 2 and that the fluid pod 128 is substantially full as it wouldappear before use (or after refill). A cap 202 may affix to the top ofthe fluid pod 128 to prevent spillage of the repellant 130. The cap 202may provide a fitting 204 for selective attachment into the heatingreceptacle 123. Here the fitting 204 is illustrated as a threadedfitting. A top port 206 may be provided for passage or evaporation ofthe repellant 130. In one embodiment, a top of the wick 134 serves as atop port or evaporation pad.

Referring now to FIG. 3 an elevational view of the lighting anddispersal system 100 is shown. FIG. 3 is not to scale, nor does itnecessarily reflect the total number of light receptacles 104 andrepellant dispersion ports 118 associated with the system 100. In someembodiments, there may be equal numbers of each. However, the repellantdispersion ports 118 may provide a wide enough effective repellant areathat a relatively greater number of light receptacles 104 may beappropriate.

In one embodiment, power cord 102 may be around 36 feet in length. Atotal of three repellant dispersion ports 118 are provided along thepower cord 102 with a total of twelve light receptacles 104. Variousembodiments may be provided with a standard outlet plug 302 (e.g., astandard US/Canada or other type of plug), possibly with an attachedcover 304. At an opposite end a standard female outlet 306 may beprovided, possibly with an attached cover 308. A power switch 310 may beprovided as well. The outlet 306 allows for multiple systems 100 to bechained together, or for the system 100 to provide “downstream” power toother devices.

Referring now to FIG. 4 , a close-up perspective view of anotherembodiment of a lighting and dispersal system 400 according to aspectsof the present disclosure is shown. The system 400 shares manycomponents in common with the system 100 previously described. A powercord 102 provides a common source of power. One or more lightreceptacles 104 may be provided at various locations along the powercord 102. The power cord may have electrical connections at either end(not shown) as well as a power switch (not shown).

The system 400 comprises one or more repellant dispersion ports 119 thatdiffer in some respects from the repellant dispersion ports 118discussed previously. The repellant dispersion ports 119 comprisejunctions 402 providing an internal power splice and affixing therepellant dispersion port 119 to the power cord 102. Here, the junction402 also provides a heating element for promotion of evaporation of theassociated repellant and other chemicals. A covering 404 selectivelysurrounds a repellant assembly 408 and heating receptacle 416. In someembodiments, the covering 404 resembles a flower with openable petals406. The petals 406 may be opened manually to reveal the repellantassembly 408, they may open under a power mechanism, or they may beconfigured with a low enough mass and loose enough connections to beable to displace under light breezes to reveal the repellant assembly408.

The repellant assembly 408 may contain any of the aforedescribedrepellants or other ingredients, and may be refillable or disposable. Asshow in the inset, the repellant assembly 408 may include a fluid pod410 that contains the repellant or other ingredients. The fluid pod 410may be provided with a cap 412 that may provide a fitting 414 forattachment and detachment from the heating receptacle 416. A wick (notvisible) may provide a pathway for movement of the repellant from thefluid pod 410 for dispersion/evaporation by the heating receptacle 416.

Referring now to FIG. 5 a simplified electrical schematic diagram of alighting and dispersal system according to aspects of the presentdisclosure is shown. FIG. 5 corresponds particularly to the system 100.However, those of skill in the art will appreciate that the schematic iseasily adapted to the system 200, or any of the additional embodimentsdiscussed herein. The plug in 302 is shown providing power to the powercord 102, shown as positive and negative leads. Switch 310 controls thepositive side of power cord 102. Junction body 114 contains theconnecting nodes for transverse power cord 108 to supply current andvoltage to light socket 112 and bulb 112.

Junction body 136 contains nodes connecting power cord 102 to transversepower cord 122 leading to the heating receptacle 123. A resistiveheating element 502 exposes wick 134 (or at least the repellant) toelevated temperature to gasify or evaporate the same. In someembodiments the wattage of the resistive heating element 502 is lessthan 8 watts. In another embodiment, the wattage of resistive element502 is 5 watts or about 5 watts. The temperature provided by theresistive heating element 502 may be from about 120 C to about 140 C.

It should be understood that the arrangement of the components shown inFIG. 5 may be replicated as far as necessary to properly configure eachassociate lighting receptacle and repellant dispersion port. The system100 may be configured with the appropriately rated components to operatefrom about 100V to about 240V. It should also be understood that, insome embodiments, lighting and repellant functions are isolated alongthe power cord 102. In other words, in some embodiments, the lightreceptacles 104 are divorced from dispersion of any repellants or otherchemicals and are, instead, dedicated to providing only light.Correspondingly, in some embodiments, repellant dispersion ports 118 donot provide any useable light.

In operation, the systems described herein (e.g., system 100 and system400) may be installed such that they are somewhere above ground level toallow maximum effectiveness of the repellant. In various embodiments 4feet to 12 feet provides an optimum effect and a repellant zone frommounting level all the way to the ground. The systems may be strung froma roof, fence, wall, tree, dedicated poles, or other structures. Thesystems 100, 400 are also described as being powered by a householdoutlet. However, it should be understood they may also be powered bybatteries, generators, and other portable power sources.

Referring now to FIG. 7 , an elevational view of another embodiment of alighting and dispersal system 700 according to aspects of the presentdisclosure is shown. The system 700 is similar to the system 100described above but does not have a manual power switch (such as powerswitch 310). The system 700 may power on in response to being connectedto power, via plug 302, for example. In some embodiments, a delaycircuit, warmup circuit, current limiting, circuit and/or powerconditioning circuit as known in the art may be provided in a circuitenclosure 702. Some embodiments to not provide such circuitry nor theenclosure 702, but such circuitry may still be included with thespecific light receptacles 104 and/or repellant dispersion ports 118 ifand as needed. Fuses, as known in the art, may also be include if andwhere needed.

Referring now to FIG. 8 an exploded plan diagram of another embodimentof a lighting and dispersal system 800 according to aspects of thepresent disclosure is shown. The system 800 comprises both lighting andrepellent dispersion on a single cord 802 but the functions of both areelectrically separated or isolated. The system 800 comprises a firstpower line 804 that supplies power for a plurality of light receptacles104 and a second power line 806 that supplies power for a plurality ofrepellant dispersion ports 118. The lines 804, 806 may be physicallybound and/or wound together along medial portions thereof. They may havea separate outer wrapper (not shown) for weather resistance, insulation,appearance, and/or ease of handling. At ends of the lines 804, 806 theymay split apart into separate plugs 302 and may separate into a pair ofreceptacles or outlets 306. Cord junctions (e.g., 106, 120, FIG. 1 )and/or hang loops (e.g., 116, FIG. 1 ) and possibly other components maybe available outside any wrapper or covering of the power lines 804, 806as needed.

In some embodiments, each line 804, 806 has its own manual switch 310such that dispersion and lighting functions are separately controllable.In other embodiments, one or both of the power lines 804, 806 may beprovided with no manual switch 310 such that they are controlled byconnection to power. In such case, either line 804, 806 may be providedwith whatever adjunct circuitry may otherwise be needed, as with thesystem 700 (e.g., delay circuit, warmup circuit, current limiting,circuit and/or power conditioning, etc.).

FIG. 9 is an elevational view of another embodiment of a lighting anddispersal system 900 according to aspects of the present disclosure. Thesystem 900 is similar to the system 100 discussed above but utilizeswireless power couplings. It should also be understood that wirelesspower couplings can be utilized with any system according to the presentdisclosure. As illustrated, the system 900 may utilize a plug-in coil902 that connects to household power. A line coil 904 is placed onto,in, or near the line coil 904 such that electric power is transferredthereto, and into the power cord 102. It should be understood that anywireless power transfer technology as is known in the art may beemployed in this context. Nonlimiting examples include inductive,capacitive, and magnetodynamic coupling.

Dispersion ports 912 may also be adapted to utilize wireless powertransfer but may otherwise operate similarly to dispersion ports 118described above. For example, the ports 118 as shown in FIG. 8 utilizean inner coil coupling 908 affixed to heating receptacle 123 that fitsinto an outer coil coupling 906 that is electrically connected to thepower cord 102 (possibly via cord junction 120). In the illustratedembodiment, the couplings 906, 908 provide for wireless power transferfrom the power cord 102 to the receptacle 123 and also physically retainthe receptacle 123 and associated pod 126 in place on the cord 102and/or junction 120. Wireless power transfer may be any suitable knownprotocol or connection type (e.g., magnetic, inductive, etc.). Thephysical retention may be via interference fit, friction fit, securementlatch, bayonet coupling, screw coupling, other mechanism.

Opposite from the line coil 904 on the power cord 102 may be an outletplug in 910. This may extend the output provided by plug in coil 902such that additional light/repellant strings or other devices can bedaisy chained to the system 900. The system 900 may or may not include amanual power switch 310 and/or other power conditioning and neededoperational circuitry as is known in the art.

It should also be understood that the light receptacles 104 may beconfigured to utilize wireless power couplings similar to the manner inwhich dispersion ports 118 (e.g., FIG. 1 ) are configured as dispersionports 912.

Referring now to FIG. 10 , an exploded plan diagram of anotherembodiment of a lighting and dispersal system 1000 according to aspectsof the present disclosure is shown. The system 1000 utilizes a powercord 102 (which may be equipped as in FIG. 3 , or according to any otherembodiment described herein) that has only repellent dispersion ports118 rather than dispersion ports 118 and light receptacles. In anotherembodiment, the system 1000 has a cord 102 provided with lightreceptacles as well (e.g., 104, FIG. 1 ) but additional lighting isdesired. The additional lighting may be the same or different from thatprovided via the receptacles 104 described above and may be provided viaone or more clip-on lights 1002.

The clip-on lights 1002 may comprise a light bulb 112 as describedabove. The bulb 112 may be selectively retained and provided power by ahousing 1006 with an internal battery 1008. The battery 1008 may be anybattery providing a suitable voltage for the bulb 112 (whether LED orotherwise) and may be based on any suitable chemistry (e.g., alkaline,lithium ion, etc.). In some embodiments, the battery 1008 isrechargeable.

The housing 1006 has a clip 1010 affixed thereto that selectivelyretains the clip-on light 1002 on the cord 102. The clip may be sizedfor an interference fit or to “snap on” to the cord 102. The clip 1010may comprise a polymer or another suitable material. It may also vary insize or length to provide proper positioning of the bulb 112 relative tothe cord 102 and/or components of the repellant dispersion ports 118.Position A illustrates a relatively short clip 1010 while positions Band C illustrate a longer clip 1012 (which may otherwise be functionallyidentical to clip 1010).

Position C also illustrates a clip-on light 1002 in a disassembledconfiguration. Here the battery 1008 may be seen outside the housing1006 and the bulb 112 detached from the housing 1006. It should beunderstood that internal springs for secure contact with the battery1008 and circuitry as is known in the art for operation of the bulb 112by the battery 1008 are included. The bulb 112 may be physically affixedto the housing 1006 by any suitable mechanism such as a bayonet styleattachment, a friction fit, an interference fit, a press fit, a screw infit, etc.

As described above the systems described herein (e.g., 100, 400, 700,800, 900) may be installed such that they are somewhere above groundlevel to allow maximum effectiveness of the repellant. In a specificembodiment, these may be installed such that the repellant dispersionports are a maximum of about 100 feet from the ground or supportsurface. In such case, each repellant dispersion port (e.g., 118)provides approximately a 330 square foot zone of protection from therespective port 118 down to the ground or support surface. Under mildconditions (e.g., low wind or no wind) the area of protection has aroughly circular appearance viewed from above.

Referring now to FIG. 11A is an overhead view of a plurality ofrepellent zones arranged in first plan according to aspects of thepresent disclosure. FIGS. 11A-D are in the context of a house 1102 orother structure and a protected porch, patio, or other area 1104. Asshown in FIG. 11A a lighting and repellant dispersal system 100containing three repellant dispersion ports 118 is provided in a V-shapeover the area 1104. By arranging the system 100 such that the repellentdispersion ports 118 are spaced somewhat evenly over the area 1104,circular zones of coverage 1106 cover substantially all of the area1004. There are some areas 1108 overlapped by two zones 1106 and onearea 1110 overlapped by three zones 1106.

FIG. 11B is an overhead view of a plurality of repellent zones 1106arranged in second plan according to aspects of the present disclosure.Here the system 100 is installed such that the repellent dispersionports 118 are arranged at or near the perimeter or outer edge of thearea 1104. There is less overlap in this configuration but eachrepellent dispersion port 118 may be effective within its own zone 1106such that overlap is not needed. Additionally, the total area protectedby the three repellent zones 1106 is larger and actually extends beyondthe area 1104. As illustrated, using three repellent dispersion ports118 at the perimeter of the area 1104 leaves a small area 1112 near thehouse 1102 that is relatively unprotected. However, the repellent zones1106 that surround this area 1112 may provide a sufficient “wall ofcoverage” that pests do not enter the area 1112.

Referring now to FIG. 11C an overhead view of a plurality of repellentzones 1106 arranged in a third plan according to aspects of the presentdisclosure is shown. Here the system 100 is arranged in an X-patternwith four active repellent dispersion ports 118 arranged in a squareoffset from the outside of the area 1104. Here it can be seen that thereare no “dead zones” and the protected zones 1106 extend beyond the edgeof the area 1104 in every direction. Some areas 1108 are overlapped bytwo zones 1106 while others 1110 are overlapped by three, and others1114 by four. It can also be seen that there are two idle repellentdispersion ports 118 on left and right sides of the area 1104. Thus, itshould be appreciated that not all ports 118 may need to be active toprovide desired repellent performance.

Referring now to FIG. 11D is an overhead view of a plurality ofrepellent zones 1106 arranged in third plan according to aspects of thepresent disclosure is shown. FIG. 11D illustrates another way ofdeploying the system 100 when only three dispersion ports 118 areprovided (or active). In this application, the system 100 is installedin a “zig-zag” pattern over the area 1104 with the ports 118 spacedroughly in a line laterally across the area 1104. The zones 1106 providefull protection over the area 1104 including some double protected zones1108 and one triple protected zone 1110 near the center of the area1104.

It will be appreciated that any of the systems described herein (e.g.,100, 400, 700, 800, 900) can be adapted to cover a wide variety ofareas. The protected areas are not necessarily square in every case (asin the examples of FIGS. 11A-D) but can have a wide variety of geometricshapes. Additionally, the areas protected may vary substantially in sizebut can be protected and lighted by inclusion of additional dispersionports and/or use of multiple strings of dispersion ports, lights, andclip-on devices as disclosed herein.

It is to be understood that the terms “including”, “comprising”,“consisting” and grammatical variants thereof do not preclude theaddition of one or more components, features, steps, or integers orgroups thereof and that the terms are to be construed as specifyingcomponents, features, steps or integers.

If the specification or claims refer to “an additional” element, thatdoes not preclude there being more than one of the additional element.

It is to be understood that where the claims or specification refer to“a” or “an” element, such reference is not be construed that there isonly one of that element.

It is to be understood that where the specification states that acomponent, feature, structure, or characteristic “may”, “might”, “can”or “could” be included, that particular component, feature, structure,or characteristic is not required to be included.

Where applicable, although state diagrams, flow diagrams or both may beused to describe embodiments, the invention is not limited to thosediagrams or to the corresponding descriptions. For example, flow neednot move through each illustrated box or state, or in exactly the sameorder as illustrated and described.

Methods of the present invention may be implemented by performing orcompleting manually, automatically, or a combination thereof, selectedsteps or tasks.

The term “method” may refer to manners, means, techniques and proceduresfor accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, thosemanners, means, techniques and procedures either known to, or readilydeveloped from known manners, means, techniques and procedures bypractitioners of the art to which the invention belongs.

The term “at least” followed by a number is used herein to denote thestart of a range beginning with that number (which may be a rangerhaving an upper limit or no upper limit, depending on the variable beingdefined). For example, “at least 1” means 1 or more than 1. The term “atmost” followed by a number is used herein to denote the end of a rangeending with that number (which may be a range having 1 or 0 as its lowerlimit, or a range having no lower limit, depending upon the variablebeing defined). For example, “at most 4” means 4 or less than 4, and “atmost 40%” means 40% or less than 40%.

When, in this document, a range is given as “(a first number) to (asecond number)” or “(a first number)-(a second number)”, this means arange whose lower limit is the first number and whose upper limit is thesecond number. For example, 25 to 100 should be interpreted to mean arange whose lower limit is 25 and whose upper limit is 100.Additionally, it should be noted that where a range is given, everypossible subrange or interval within that range is also specificallyintended unless the context indicates to the contrary. For example, ifthe specification indicates a range of 25 to 100 such range is alsointended to include subranges such as 26-100, 27-100, etc., 25-99,25-98, etc., as well as any other possible combination of lower andupper values within the stated range, e.g., 33-47, 60-97, 41-45, 28-96,etc. Note that integer range values have been used in this paragraph forpurposes of illustration only and decimal and fractional values (e.g.,46.7-91.3) should also be understood to be intended as possible subrangeendpoints unless specifically excluded.

It should be noted that where reference is made herein to a methodcomprising two or more defined steps, the defined steps can be carriedout in any order or simultaneously (except where context excludes thatpossibility), and the method can also include one or more other stepswhich are carried out before any of the defined steps, between two ofthe defined steps, or after all of the defined steps (except wherecontext excludes that possibility).

Further, it should be noted that terms of approximation (e.g., “about”,“substantially”, “approximately”, etc.) are to be interpreted accordingto their ordinary and customary meanings as used in the associated artunless indicated otherwise herein. Absent a specific definition withinthis disclosure, and absent ordinary and customary usage in theassociated art, such terms should be interpreted to be plus or minus 10%of the base value.

Thus, the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objects andattain the ends and advantages mentioned above as well as those inherenttherein. While the inventive device has been described and illustratedherein by reference to certain preferred embodiments in relation to thedrawings attached thereto, various changes and further modifications,apart from those shown or suggested herein, may be made therein by thoseof ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit of theinventive concept the scope of which is to be determined by thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: a first power cord; and at least one heated repellant dispersal unit electrically connected to the first power cord that increases an evaporation rate of a repellant within the heated repellant dispersal unit.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first power cord does not have a manual power switch to activate or deactivate the at least one heated repellent dispersion port.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the first power cord is electrically connected to a wireless power coupler.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one heated repellant dispersion port is electrically connected to the first power cord via a wireless power coupler.
 5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a second power cord physically connected to but electrically isolated from the first power cord, the second power cord having at least one light receptacle thereon.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the first and second power cords are physically connected such that the at least one heated repellant dispersal unit disperses repellent into an area lighted by a bulb in the at least one light receptacle.
 7. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one clip-on light having a clip that is sized to selectively attach to the first power cord, and further containing a battery that powers an attached light bulb.
 8. A system comprising: a first power cord; a plurality of heated repellant dispersal units electrically connected to the first power cord that increase an evaporation rate of a repellant within the heated repellant dispersal units; and a plurality of light receptacles affixed to the first power cord such that the light receptacles illuminate an area below the power cord into which the plurality of heated repellant dispersion ports disperse repellent.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the plurality of light receptacles is powered by the first power cord.
 10. The system of claim 8, wherein the plurality of light receptacle is not powered by the first power cord.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the plurality of light receptacles is powered by a second electrical power cord physically connected to but electrically isolated from the first electrical power cord.
 12. The system of claim 10, wherein the plurality of light receptacles is battery powered.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the plurality of light receptacles are affixed to the first power cord via detachable clips.
 14. The system of claim 10, wherein the plurality of heated repellant dispersal units each contain one or more floats visible outside the plurality of heated repellant dispersal units indicating a level of a repellant contained in the respective heated repellant dispersal unit.
 15. The system of claim 8, wherein the first power cord has a wireless coupling to a household power outlet.
 16. The system of claim 8, wherein the plurality of heated repellant dispersal units are electrically connected to the first power cord via a wireless coupling.
 17. A method comprising: providing a first power cord; and electrically connecting a plurality of heated repellant dispersal units to the first power cord, the plurality of heated repellent dispersal units increasing an evaporation rate of a repellant within the plurality of heated repellant dispersal units; arranging the power cord over an area to be protected by the repellant such that the entire area is infused by repellant from at least one of the heated repellent dispersal units, or is protected by intrusion from pests by an area infused by repellant from at least one of the heated repellent dispersal units.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising providing a plurality of light receptacles on the first power cord such that at least part of the area to be protected is lighted by the plurality of light receptacles.
 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: providing a second power cord; physically attaching the second power cord to the first power cord while keeping the first and second power cords electrically isolated; and powering the plurality of light receptacles via the second power cord.
 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising: attaching the plurality of light receptacles to the first power cord via a detachable clip; and powering the light receptacles via a plurality of internal batteries. 